The British Embassy in Juba has welcomed the Government’s decision to withdraw immediately all South Sudanese Police Service personnel from the Abyei area.
On April 27, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan declared that it will withdraw all South Sudanese police officers from Abyei area in response to the AU peace plan on the contested areas.Talking to Bakhita Radio this afternoon, Deputy Head of mission at the British Embassy Brian Jones said his Government welcomes this positive step take by South Sudan’s Government demonstrating willingness to support all efforts to resolve the status of Abyei peacefully.
?The UK diplomat added that South Sudan’s commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution to all outstanding issues by going back to the negotiating table is the only way forward.
Mr Brian revealed that the British Embassy in Khartoum is working hard to pressure Sudan to withdraw all its forces from Abyei and return to negotiation with South Sudan.
He explained that South Sudan has written to African Union expressing its willingness to resume negotiations, adding that Sudan needs to do the same for a quick return to dialogue and final solution to the outstanding issues.
Mr Brian said the UK stands ready to support the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel and will continue to work with other partners to reinforce the AU’s peace plan.